This was the most suitable diamond he could find, and it hadn't been easy.
The designer beside him wore an awkward expression. Proud of his one-of-a-kind designs, he now stood shamefaced.
Blake, considerate of the designer's pride, asked him to leave.
"Mom, this diamond is small and doesn't sparkle much. Where did Dad get it from?"
The little one, too young to appreciate such things, compared it to her daily toys with large rhinestones, thinking her mom's diamond couldn't possibly be smaller.
But now, seeing it, she realized it was indeed much smaller.
Noah, however, remarked, "Can you compare real and fake ones?"
"What's real and fake?" Hedwig asked with wide, curious eyes.
Catherine patiently explained, "Hedwig, the size of a diamond doesn't mean anything. Your dad's thoughtfulness is what matters. I think this ring is beautiful, and I love it."
"Your happiness is all that counts. It's a gift for you!" Hedwig said with a grin.
Blake pinched her cheek. "When you grow up and find someone you like, they'll give you a beautiful ring too."
"Really? Can Noah give me one? He's the best!" Hedwig immediately turned to Noah.
Noah shuddered and quickly refused. "Silly Hedwig, you can't like me. I'm your brother!"
"Why not? I like you! I want you to give me one!" Hedwig said stubbornly.
Noah shrugged in defeat.
"Fine, I'll give you one, even smaller than Mom's!"
"No, I want one bigger—twice as big as Mom's!" Hedwig declared triumphantly.
Catherine and Blake exchanged helpless glances.
Their innocent daughter kept them on their toes daily, but this was the joy of life.
Blake was grateful to Catherine for gifting him such a lovely princess and vowed to cherish her forever.
"Dad, the ring's here, but what about the necklace? Are you getting Mom a necklace too?" Hedwig asked with a smile.
Blake nodded. "Of course. We'll pick one out later."
Since necklaces didn't carry the same weight as engagement rings, Blake didn't have one custom-made, but he ensured it was the best quality.
After trying on the engagement ring, the family of four selected a beautiful diamond necklace.
They decided to have lunch out before returning home.
The children, rarely outing with both parents, looked around with wide, curious eyes.
Hedwig, especially, used to hang out in crowds with Catherine and Noah when they lived alone. She particularly loved going to supermarkets.
Once inside, Hedwig would naturally ask her mom to buy little trinkets.
Life now lacked the freedom she once knew. Elders of the Royal Pack seldom took her and Noah out into crowds.
Under the Pack's stricter upbringing, her outings were mostly to high-end venues, gradually molding her into a little princess, while Noah carried an air of aloofness, seldom speaking as Hedwig monopolized the conversation.
At an elegantly chosen restaurant, Blake took a rare moment to snap photos of his children.
Unaccustomed to taking pictures, the camera sound alerted the kids, ruining the sneak shot.
The two little ones curiously turned their heads to look at him.
Embarrassed but quick-witted, Blake captured their surprised expressions—adorable and stunning.
"Dad, are you taking my photo?" Hedwig asked with a grin.
"Yes, I don't have many photos of you two. It's nice to look back when I'm bored," Blake replied.
"Take more!" Hedwig pouted cutely for the camera.
Blake obliged, but his final shot landed on Catherine, absorbed in texting.
Her lowered lashes and fair, beautiful face made for a perfect, serene shot.
"Let me see!" Hedwig demanded, snatching the phone.
Blake handed the phone to her, and the little one immediately pouted, "Daddy, you were sneaking shots of Mom! You weren't taking photos for me at all, were you? Humph!"
Amused, Blake's face flushed slightly as Catherine gave him a knowing look.
Hedwig immediately grabbed the phone and showed it to her. "Mommy, Daddy was sneaking photos of you!"
Catherine gave a light laugh, her gaze at Blake taking on a teasing glint.
Blake let out an awkward chuckle, then stepped forward and casually reclaimed the phone. "Hedwig, your mom's taken plenty of sneaky photos of me too."
Catherine's hand trembled as she held the phone, and she shot Blake an indignant look.
The phone was already in Hedwig's hands, and she swiftly opened the gallery.